PSC renames RMSC weightlifting gym after Hidilyn Diaz, other facilities to honor past sports heroes

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is set to rename some of the sports facilities located within the compound in Manila as a way of honoring Filipino sports heroes for their athletic achievements.

In a statement Thursday, the agency said it is renaming the weightlifting gym found at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex as Hidilyn Diaz Weightlifting Gym to pay homage to the Zamboanga native for winning the country's first Olympic gold mint.

The PSC Board also approved the renaming of the Rizal Memorial Tennis Court to Felicisimo Ampon Tennis Court, RMSC Swimming Pool to Teofilo Yldefonso Swimming Pool, and the Rizal Memorial Track Stadium to Simeon Toribio Track Stadium. 

Felicisimo Ampon is a legendary Filipino netter who saw action in various Grand Slam events like the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open while Teofilo Yldefonso is an iconic figure in Philippine swimming.

Yldefonso won bronze medals both in the 1928 Amsterdam and 1932 Los Angeles editions of the Summer Olympics when he competed in the 200m breaststroke.

Simeon Toribio, meanwhile, is a Filipino high-jump ace who bagged a bronze medal during the 1932 Summer Games.

The originally named PSC Multi-Purpose Gym located in the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex was reverted back to its original title.

PSC chairman William "Butch" Ramirez said this act is to keep these athletes' legacies and for inspiring the next generation who wants to follow in their footsteps.

“These athletes have given the honor to the country with their work in sports, we hope to keep their legacies alive for this and next generations.  We want to pique the interest of the people who will read about or visit the facility,” said Ramirez.

The PSC revealed that included in the pipeline is to also open a bigger, interactive, and modern Philippine Sports Museum that will rise in RMSC.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News